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Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1931, Page 4

Pauuamkxt having sanctioned the creating of llailway Board, the Government has made a selection. The choice was not made in haste, although from all accounts there were numerous applications. It is to be assumed the fullest care was exercised so as to secure a Board of the right stamp, and representative of the various interests concerned. The Government has not blundered by creating a morelv political Board ol its own supporters. Of the gentlemen selected, two of the most prominent- were active opponents of the Liberal Party, while the remainder are not known to have been of pronounced colour politically The Prime Minister in this and other public actions revealed, has acted very wisely and creditably, and added, of course, to his reputation. Another prominent, feature of the position B the arrangement for Mr Sterling to continue in office, and shortly take up the Chairmanship. This has been adjusted with regard for the country’s finance, and Mr Sterling makes a considerable pecuniary sacrifice in accepting the position, on the more economical terms the Government has been able to arrange. The whole posit.on in regard to Mr Sterling is of great advantage to the Dominion for the future, at the same time retaining his expert services which are thought oi so highly, in an executive position. The other members represent gentlemen prominent in business and commercial life, farming pursuits, and of accountancy experience. Tn the temporary chairman, Air Esson, there is a very experienced ex-Puhlic Servant, who from Ins extended service in the Treasury, should be an excellent locum till Mr Sterling is available for the chair. The Board has a very difficult task cheat! of it—to make the railways pay. But the Board is so well equipped as regards business and administrative capacity, that it should be well qualified to make a very definite attempt at the task it has been set. The new policy is an earnest endeavour on the part of the Government to bring about a more satisfactory state of affairs as regards the railway returns, and to that end a Board has been selected which should give the country excellent service. The j Board bv retaining Mr Sterling at the jfiend will have a link with the past administration which should be very useful. Tn so large a public utility (service there are many details of knowledge for the lay man to acquire, ana 7\lr” Sterling will ho- conversant wito all details helpful to the Board, its task is one c-f considerable magnitude, but with responsible members at the

table, the .difficulties will bo approached with conilideuce, and a good deal ol useful reform work should ensue when the Board members settle down to the large order before them.